STUDIES - A PRESENTATION
CHEMISTRY
Chemistry is the study of elements and compounds from which people and the physical world are built. The Chemist investigates the components and reactions of matter and in this manner reveals their properties and usages.
ORGANISATION OF TEACHING
Chemistry may be combined with Physics, Mathematics, Molecular Biology or Biology. Part 1 is used as an introduction to the field of study.
Teaching presents the main areas of Chemistry such as the experimental fields, Inorganic and Organic Chemistry, and the theoretical fields, Physical Chemistry, Spectroscopy, and Chemical Bonding. Inorganic Chemistry teaches the acid-base theory, stoichiometry, complex and redox chemistry. The properties and reactions of the elements of the periodic system are taught. Organic Chemistry is related to the properties of Carbon, in that most of the chemical compounds to be found are organic molecules built upon a carbon framework. The teaching covers e.g. the alcohol groups, esters and amines as well as the naming of these molecules. Physical Chemistry deals with macroscopic descriptions of chemical systems while Molecular Spectroscopy and Chemical Bonding make use of microscopic descriptions of chemical systems. The supporting subjects of Mathematics and Physics lay the foundation for the theoretical treatment of Chemistry.
Part 2 of Chemistry continues with advanced chemistry teaching in the third year. Topics covered include Organic Chemistry/Bioorganic Chemistry, Inorganic Analytical Chemistry and Environmental Chemistry as well as Applied Spectroscopy. For the rest of Part 2, students can choose among various advanced chemistry courses. A final project with an accompanying thesis is required.
SPECIAL COMBINED COURSES
Many other subjects are in some way dependent on or can benefit from a knowledge of Physics and Chemistry. Choosing Physics-Chemistry as a line of study makes it possible to take specially arranged Part 2 courses in Material Physics/Chemistry with a fixed programme of courses in material technology.
Chemistry-Molecular Biology is a five year education with the purpose of providing graduates with the ability to introduce, utilise, and control modern production methods in the chemical and biotechnological industries, e.g., medical and foodstuffs industries. Part 1 includes general courses in Chemistry. The Biology courses are concentrated on the cell's biochemical-biological processes as well as genetics and microbiology. Furthermore, there are courses in Mathematics and Physics. Part 2 involves specialisation in either Chemistry or Molecular Biology.
TEACHING
For Part 1, teaching takes the form of lectures, theoretical exercises, and laboratory practicals. Lectures are held in auditoriums for all first year students, while theoretical exercises are held for groups of about 15 students. For later parts, teaching is a combination of lectures, exercises, and seminars where students teach one another. The high degree of freedom demands total commitment and independence from students.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Further information may be found on the Department of Chemistry's home page www.kemi.aau.dk or by contacting the Student Counselling for Science. See page 48.
